SHEFFIELD bosses say that they are actively exploring their options to try and help resolve their current issues.
The Tigers were dealt a massive blow last month when No.1 Jack Holder suffered a broken arm, amongst other injuries.
Since the Aussie ace has been on the sidelines, the Owlerton outfit have lost two of their three fixtures – and also managed to let the aggregate point slip at Ipswich on Thursday.
Co-owner Damien Bates says he shares supporters’ current frustrations and has spoken to give them an insight into difficulties the club have faced to try and find a solution.
“Nobody hates losing more than me,” Bates said.
“The reality is, the team we put together at the start of the season has been rocked by losing our No.1 rider.
“Jack is making steady progress – but he’s not going to be fully fit for a while and we’re now in a critical part of our season.
“I’ve had people come up to me and say ‘you just need to sign another No.1’ – if only it was that easy.
“Myself and Steady (Simon Stead – team manager) have had conversations with riders of a similar level to Jack to try and gauge an idea of what we could do, but the reality is it’s virtually impossible to replace a rider like Jack Holder.
“Having said that, we’ve spoken to a few ‘big names’ – the majority aren’t interested in racing in the UK right now and the others know the position we’re in and we’re not going to give into their demands and pay over the odds and potentially jeopardise the club’s finances.
“There’s a couple more names we’re going to speak to in the coming days but if nothing comes of those then we’ll have to fast start exploring Plan B.
“We know our recent history means that expectations have grown within this club – and that’s why we will leave no stone unturned as we try and make decisions.”
Sheffield travel to Northampton on Monday (July 20, 7.30pm) before hosting Ipswich at Owlerton next Thursday (July 23, 7.30pm).
